Peduto to marry same-sex couples

PITTSBURGH (AP) – The mayor of Pittsburgh has announced plans to officiate marriages for same-sex couples next month following last week’s federal court decision striking down the commonwealth’s gay marriage ban.

Mayor Bill Peduto said in a statement Tuesday that he would be “thrilled to make the marriage of a LGBT couple” the first he officiates as mayor, “and being able to share that moment with many others should make for an even more joyous celebration.”

He plans to marry as many as 20 same-sex couples June 15 in downtown Pittsburgh as part of Pittsburgh PrideFest activities.

Same-sex ceremonies began last week after the ruling by U.S. District Judge John E. Jones III made Pennsylvania the 19th state to legalize gay marriage. Gov. Tom Corbett said he doesn’t plan to appeal the ruling.